Photo: Formula Motorsport Ltd
There has been a late change to MP Motorsport’s line-up for the Macau Grand Prix, with Dennis Hauger replacing Franco Colapinto.
Formula Scout understands Colapinto’s withdrawal from next week’s FIA Formula 3 World Cup relates to his recovery from a broken collarbone, and his replacement Hauger is also his 2024 Formula 2 team-mate at MP.
“Last night, I received a call from MP Motorsport offering me to participate in the prestigious 70th Macau Grand Prix – FIA F3 World Cup,” said Hauger.
“Racing in Macau has always been an aspiration of mine, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I never had the chance. It is last minute and the time for preparation will be very limited. But with this great team I am thrilled to seize this opportunity and give it my best.”
Hauger made his F3 debut in 2019 with a Euroformula cameo, then spent the next two years racing in the FIA F3 Championship in the cars that will be used in Macau. He won four races en route to the 2021 title. Since then he has raced in F2 and Porsche Carrera Cup Scandinavia.
With the revision to MP’s line-up, there is still one place on the 27-car grid to be filled as Rodin Carlin is yet to announce the driver of its third car.
Colapinto broke his collarbone prior to the final round of the FIA F3 championship at Monza, although he was able to take part in that event. He is still set to make his F2 debut with MP alongside Hauger at Yas Marina Circuit, where he will then drive for Williams in Formula 1 post-season testing. He recently had his seat fitting with the team.